UC-NRLF 


^B    ^S?    5n 


A'mi?n  or 


/ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2007  witii  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.arcliive.org/details/bloodstainedroseOOalierricli 


THE  BLOOD  STAINED  ROSE 


.  >  J  > 

■>  »  > 


Li 


1. 


■^  '^■ 


Lillian  Sincere  Akrons 


THE 

BLOOD  STAINED 
ROSE 

A  ROMANCE 

BY 
LILLIAN  SINCERE  AHREMS 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR 

HOTEL  LAURELTON 

NEW  YORK  CITY 


Copyright  1917 


4^d 


re-- 


^ 


J'jm  BLOOD  5IAINED  ROSE^^M 


A  ROMANCE 

iWan  Sincere Jlhrens 


■4m 


*^In  every  stern  and  unimaginative  age,  there 
is  more  danger  to  be  feared  from  the  want 
of  romance,  than  from  excess  of  itJ* 


So,  my  friend,  at  this  age  most  opportune, 
A  romance  laced  with  smiles  and  tears, 
I  present  to  thee. 

If  thou  would'st  thy  soul  with  garlands 
Of  ambrosial  sweets  enchain,  I  pray  thee, 
With  my  worthy  players  dwell  awhile. 


M191836 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose 


PART  ONE. 

On  a  spring  morn,  aglow  with  happiness, 

Marian  roamed  her  garden  fair,  and  cried, 

"I  seek  thee,  love;  where  are  thou?" 

The    lingering    gold    of    dawn,    the    violets 
from  purple  bed, 

The  fragrance  of  the  sweets  of  spring  suf- 
fused her  thoughts. 

While  toying  with   a   rose   she   pricked   her 
hand. 

But  undisturbed,  and  with  playful  mien,  she 
stained  the  white  rose  red. 

Then  tossing  it  with  childish  mirth,  she  cried, 

"The  youth  who  this  rose  finds,  I'll  wed!" 

The  encrimsoned  rose  lay  prone.      Marian 
on  her  way  went  singing, 


10  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

But    ere    she    had    taken    many    steps,    she 
paused, 

And  then  she  turned;  for,  having  o'erheard 
her  boast, 

And  lured  by  the  cadence  of  her  voice — 

Two  youths,  as  if  by  magic,  from  the  road 
appeared, 

And  with  accord  made  haste  to  claim  the  rose. 

Now   Marian,   noting  two   hands   about  to 
clash, 

To  a  nearby  rose  bower  hied. 

Then  one  youth  spoke.     "  'Tis  strange,"  he 
V      said, 

"This  meeting,  as  by  God  divined." 

The  other  sprang  away,  as  though  the  cal- 
loused hand 
Had  been  an  adder's  fang,  held  out  to  him. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  11 

''Nay  sir,  no  harm  I  ween,  to  either — 

Thou'rt  heir  to  yonder   rose,   perhaps,   and 
too,  a  prince  thou  art, 

Still,  must  thou  worthy  prove  thyself." 

The  prince,  stung  to  the  quick,  cried, 

"Thou  ruffian.     One  more  word  and  thou'lt 

go 
By  my  sword  o'er  yonder  cliff!" 

"Nay,  thou  would'st  not  pierce  this  heart, 
though  rough; 

Nor   still   a   tongue  not  taught  to   say   fine 
words. 

Thine  eyes  speak  tenderly.     And,  strangely, 
as  I  gaze  on  thee, 

I  think,  though  fine,  thou'rt  very  like  myself. 

A  look!    A  word!    I   beg  thee!    Wilt  not 
speak? 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose 


Then  bear  with  me  until  my  story's  told — 

I'll  not  be  long  in  telling  it;  and  then, 

If  proved  kin  by  my  story, 

Then  hast  thou   won,   mayhap,   the   trophy 
sought." 

The  handsome  prince  laughed  loud! 

"  'Tis  well,  mad  man,  but  make  thy  story 
short!" 

(And  now   it  came  to  pass  that   Marian's 
friend, 

Her  lady  in  waiting,  by  name  of  Enid  known. 

Appeared  on  the   castle  step,   in   search  of 
Marian. 

She  gazed  around  with  shaded  eyes. 

And  saw  two  youths  standing  as  in  dispute, 

And   from   her   hiding  place   a   glimpse   of 
Marian's  skirt. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  13 

Well  knowing  how  the  intruders  to  evade, 

In  time  to  hear  the  story,  she  reached  the 
bower.) 

"My  name  is  John;  by  friends  I'm  Brawny 
called; 

My  mother?  my  mother!  Ah  memory  dear! 

Her  slender  body  swayed  by  grace,  her  eyes 
love-lit, 

And  lips  that  uttered  but  the  sweetest  sound. 

'Tis  good  to  know  she  was  my  mother ! 

Thou  look'st  as  if  thou  might'st  have  known 
her, 

My  mother,  with  her  enkindled  soul. 

My  father  a  sailor  was,  under  whose  rough 
cloak 

There  beat  a  heart  of  fibre  fine — 

A  man  whose  sleep  was  lullel  by  winds, 


14  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Who   dreamed  not  only  of  his   ship's   fair 
bow, 

But  all  that  lay  beyond. 
A  brother  had  I,  a  handsome  but  frail  lad. 
One  day  while  he  lay  feeble  on  his  bed, 
My  mother  o'er  him  bent  with  tender  care, 

When  suddenly  the  wild  lash  on  the  water's 
edge, 

The  giill's  shrill  cry!    The  rift  in  the  clouds ! 

Told  us  The  Hawk  had  come  to  port, 

And  my  father  to  sea  was  called. 

'  'Twere  well  to  take  him  with  thee,  John,' 
my  mother  gently  said, 

'Nay,  thou'rt  not  frightened  at  the  thought, 

A  roughing  on  the  sea  will  give  him  life!' 

My  father  looked  aghast! 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  IS 

*Thou'rt  jesting,    wife — would'st  part   with 
him,  thy  little  one?' 

*Take  him  with  thee,'  my  mother  begged. 

Thou'lt  bring  him  back  pink  as  a  rose ! 

And  then,  the  sacrifice  so  bravely  made,  she 
wept 

As  tenderly  my  father  from  the  bed  lifted 
my  brother. 

*No  tears,  dear  wife!'  he  cried, 

*ril  bring  him  back  in  lively  tune;  and  John, 

Take  care  of  her.     'Twill  not  be  long.'^ 

So,   they  sailed   away,   while   we   were   left 
alone. 

We  waited,  waited.     And  on  that  dreadful 
day. 

When  earth  and  heaven  clashed,  a  message 
came,  that  read, 


16  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

'While   homeward  bound,   down  went  The 
Hawk  with  all  on  board.' 

My  heart  breaks  at  the  thought. 

Still  we  waited — that  tragedy  of  waiting! 

Each   Incoming  ship   was   a   hop^e   renewed, 
that  they  were  spared. 
'Twas  vain. 

As  years  rolled  on,  my  mother  aged. 
And  though  she  called  me  oft  her  all  in  all, 
I  could  not  be  to  her  what  all  might  be, 
Nor  could  I  bring  them  back. 
To  make  a  matter  short,  she  would  not  live. 
'Bury  me,  too,  at  sea,'  she  begged; 
'There  will  I  find,  perhaps,  the  ones  I  love.' 
And  there  she  lies,  at  sea,  my  mother. 

Whereas  I  seek  the  two  for  love  of  whom 
she  died. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  17 

And  now,  as  I  before  thee  stand,  dear  prince, 

Though  thou  art  older  grown,  thou'rt  like 
my  brother 

More  than  any  I  have  known." 

The  story  finished,  Marian  and  her  friend, 

Deeper  amid  the  roses  stole,  and  stilled  their 
sobs. 

The  prince  grew  pale,  and  shuddered  as  if 
something  stirred  his  soul. 

"Now   thy    story's   told;    and    though    with 
eagerness  I'd  grasp  the  rose, 

I  must  abide  until  I've  spoken  to  the  end. 

*'I  too,  a  lovely  mother  had,"  he  said, 
"Though  only  from  my  father  learned; 
Yet  in  fancy  I  my  mother  knew —  ' 
Like  as  a  phantom  from  another  world. 


18  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

And,  ne'er  shall  I  forget,  In  a  ship's  bow  was 
I  laid, 

A  frail  lad,  by  the  sailors  petted  much. 

Under  their  rough,  yet  tender  care,  I  grew — 

Though   not   much   knowledge    from   books 
had  I,  still, 

Amidst  the  rigging  high,  I  learned  the  mys- 
tery of  the  moon; 

For  pastime,  I  heard  yarns  by  sailors  spun. 

One  called  Dan  a  story  told  about  a  prince. 
He  said  'Aladlne,'    (so  was  I  called) 

*A  queen  I  know  will  some  day  seek  thee  out, 
and  make  thee  prince  of  her  domain; 

Thou'lt  be  her  solace  for  her  only  son, 

Lost  in  a  drunken  brawl.     I  at  that  time  his 
valet  was. 

And  I  so  loved  the  lad,  I  could  not  stay. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  19 

The  queen,  heeding  my  discontent,  bade  me 
to   go. 

^'Farewell  Daniel,"  she  said,  "Seek  thou  for 
me  another,  * 

To  take  his  place;  let  him  be  of  tender  years; 

It  matters  not,  if  lowly  his  birth  should  be; 

Still  it  becomes  a  prince  to  be  well  knit  and 
strong  of  heart!"  ' 

I  laughed  at  Dan,  and  at  his  seaman's  tale, 

I  vowed  no  queen  was  great  enough  to  tear 
me  from  my  father. 

'Twas  not  long  after  Dan  his  story  told 

That  darkness  and  disaster  came. 

'Twas  as  if  The  Hawk  by  fear  was  stirred! 

A  hellish  element  appeared  to  crush  her  bow, 
and  tear  her  sail; 

My  .father  lashed  me  to  the  mast. 


20  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

And,  though  I  struggled  to  be  free, 

I  was  like  a  mouse  twixt  a  cat's  jaw, 

So  closely  was  I  bound.     From  the  mast, 

In  awe,  I  viewed  the  bravery  of  my  father, 

As  o'er  the  storm-beaten  deck,  with  fearful 
cry! 

He  urged  his  men,  till  hoarse  of  voice  and 
weak  from  injury. 

He  laid  him  down  to  die.     'Aladine,  thou'lt 
be  saved!'  he  cried. 

'I  would  have  waited  as  I  promised  her. 

To  bring  thee  back  pink  as  a  rose,  but  now, 

'Tis  late,  too  late !     Perhaps  thou'lt  find  thy 
mother. 

And  thy  brother.      But  blame  me  not   for 
dying. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  21 

Ere    I   brought  thee   back  to   her   in   lively 
tune.' 

Then  in  delirium  he  tossed,  and  wrung  my 
heart 

Crying,  'No  tears,  dear  wife,  I'll  bring  him 
back!' 

'Twas  pitiful,  I  begged  to  die  with  him. 

I  tried  to  break  my  chains,  but  vain,  all  vain! 

And,  as  with  glazed  eyes  he  gazed  at  me, 

It  seemed  too  much,  too  much,  to  bear. 

As     twilight     gathered     round     the     death 
doomed  ship. 

So   many  wild   seas   braved,   with   one   last 
throb  gave  way. 

And  thinking  'twas  the  end,  weakly  I  cried, 
'Father!  my  father!' 


22  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Out  from  the  darkness  a  voice  leaped — Dan's 
voice — 

'I'll  save  thee,  lad!' 

Then  all  was  dark  for  many  months. 

One  day  I  woke  to  find  myself  in  princely 
robe, 

And  standing  at  my  bed  with  men  of  state, 

Was  Dan,  the  sailor  who  my  fortune  told. 
'I  told  thee,  lad, 

A  queen  would  seek  thee  out  and  make  thee 

prince  of  her  domain. 

How  may  I  serve  thee  now,  dear  Majesty?' 
he  asked. 

Kissing  my  hand  with  stately  grace. 

'Ah,   Dan,   my   friend,   still   thou  my   friend 
wilt  be : 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  23 

And  too,   court  jester,   to   make   me   merry 
with  thy  sea  yarns  gay, 

But  sometime   we   shall   speak  *of  him,   my 
father.'  " 

After  Aladine  his  story  told,  and  brother  was 
sure  of  brother, 

John,    a   promise  to   fulfill,   lifted   the    rose 
with  tender  care. 

And  placed  it  in  Aladine's  hand,  saying, 

"Yes,  thou'rt  heir  not  only  to  the  rose  and 
to  thy  princedom  great,     . 

But  to  the  heart  of  a  maiden  fair,  and  too, 
a  brother's  love. 

There  is  no  fairer  token  I  may  give 

Than  this  red  rose.    Wear  it  upon  thy  heart, 
my  brother:  it  is  thine." 


PART  TWO 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  27 

PART  TWO 

The  story  heard  of  how  the  brothers  met, 
Marian  and  her  friend,  thrilled  to  the  quick, 
Left  their  hiding  a-tremble;  and  stole 
Along  an  unseen  path  of  drooping  trees. 
Around  Marian's  soul  a  sweetness  clung. 

Like  the  fragrance  of  a  rose  new  born;  and 
Enid's  heart 

Beat  quickly  'gainst  her  breast. 

At  the  Castle  door  they  turned;  and  from 
afar, 

Saw  two   youths  wend  their  way  unto  the 
Castle  Aladine. 

So  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  Castle  Aladine, 

John  by  his  brother's  sword  a  knight  was 
made; 


28  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Tho  difficult  at  first,  he  the  court's  manner 
learned. 

And    so,    a    great    change    In    his    life    was 
wrought. 

As   time   wore   on,    Marian   found   Heart's 
ease  In  thoughts  of  Aladine, 

While  Enid's  head  was  well  nigh  filled  with 
dreams  of  John. 

But,  alas !  love  oft  Is  wafted  by  a  fickle  wind, 

And  Is  borne  astray  In  the  wafting. 

So    It    happened    that    on    one    June    day, 
Aladine, 

By  princely  duties  worn,  unaccompanied  by 
his  brother. 

Rode    down    the    castle    path,    granting    his 
steed  full  rein 

To  wander  at  will;  and  as  if  by  mystic  force 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  29 

He  was  carried  through  a  wondrous  scene, 
in  harmony  wrought. 

Not  far  off  a  rising  hill  bathed  in  the  sun, 

Where    lambkins    drowsed    in   the    noonday 
heat. 

And  then  he  heard  the  symphony  of  song- 
sters through  the  woods. 

Felt  the  soft  breeze  that  stirred  the  wide 

open  petals  of  roses, 
Lingered  at  a  mirror  stream  by  water  lilies 

graced, 

Reflecting  a  sapphire  sky;  and  at  last. 

Reached  the  enchanted  spot,  where  first  the 
rose  awaited  him. 

Coincldently  strange  as  it  may  seem,  Enid, 
worn  by  sleepless  nights. 

Unable  to  endure  the  loud  beating  of  her 
heart, 


30  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Sought,  for  repose,  this  very  paradise. 

So  they  met;  Aladlne  with  head  drawn  high 
— noble,  serene; 

And  Enid,   forgetting  Marian,  her  soul  of 
modesty  undressed. 

Stood  quickly  clothed  in  woman's  wiles. 

And  in  this  robe  she  boldly  greeted  him. 

Aladine,  caught  by  the  flame  within  her  eye, 
held  out  his  arms. 

As  lip  met  quivering  lip  all  save  that  moment 
was  forgot. 

Though  but   a   moment,   still   an  eternity   it 
seemed  to  them. 

Then  gently  he  loosed  his  hold  and  spoke  in 
tender  terms. 

He  told  her,  that,  through  a  Blood  Stained 
Rose  with  abandon  tossed, 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  31 

He  found  the  road  to  a  maiden's  heart,  and 
too,  a  brother's  love. 

Enid   in    feigned   surprise,    after    a   moment 
said, 

"Wonderful  Aladine,  the  rose  worn  near  thy 
heart 

Was  by  my  own  blood  stained." 

Then  on  his  shoulder  Enid  hid  her  face, 

That  in  her  eyes  the  lie  he  might  not  read. 

Once  more  he  held  her  form  in  fond  embrace, 

And  then  they  parted,   vowing  with  hearts 
and  lips,  a  tryst  they'd  keep. 

'Twas  in  the  time  of  their  many  trysts,  that 
Marian, 

Wondering  at  the  cold  mien  of  her  friend, 
contrived  by  watchfulness 

To  solve  the  riddle. 


32  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

On  one  moonlit  eve,  while  wandering  from 
the  Castle  Everywhere 

In  search  of  Enid,  Marian  stopped  with 
sudden  fear 

And  like  a  startled  fawn  fleeing  the  moun- 
tainside, 

Knowing  the  hunter  near,  hastened  from  the 
crunching  sound 

Of  horse's  hoofs;  but  too  late  to  evade  the 

intruder, 
For  on  his  steed,  outlined  against  the  sky, 
Sat  the  Prince  Aladine. 

'Twas  thus  the  two  whom  fate  decreed  were 
justly  one,  to  be. 

Gazed  each  at  other,  with  soul  wrapped,  in- 
tent; 

In  his  eyes  was  pictured  beauty  of  which  he 
had  not  dreamed. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  33 

And  she,  Ah !  ne'er  had  purer  glance  been 
hfted  to  his  own. 

Aladine  slipped  lightly  from  his  steed, 

And  bowing  low  o'er  Marian's  hand,  with 
emotion  deep, 

Spoke  of  the  night  coming  on.     He  told  her 

As  a  brother  might,  it  was  not  wise,  so  fair 
a  maid 

Should  walk  abroad,  alone ;  praying  the  hon- 
or of  accompanying  her. 

Marian  smiled  consent.     All  the  way 

He    spoke    of    moon-lit    nights,    and    flower 

paths, 
Until  at  last,  reaching  Castle  Everywhere, 

Marian  bade  him  enter,  her  guest. 

He  followed  her. 


34  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Meanwhile,  Enid  perturbed  because  of  Alad- 
Ine's  stay, 

Sought  him  In  the  usual  path,  until  worn  with 
vain  seeking. 

She  reached  the  Castle  gate.    It  opened  wide 
to  receive  her. 

And  behold!  the  Castle  Everywhere, 

With  lords  and  ladles  decked  In  jewels  rare. 

Vied  with  the  stars  and  lights  In  shimmering! 

Then  came  the  dance  with  stately  grace, 

By  spirit  strings  of  swee.test  music  led;  and 
laughter. 

And  lovers'  mirth  like  ripples  on  a  waveless 
sea; 

Twas  a  scene  most  beautiful  to  look  on. 

But  Enid,  her  face  pressed  against  a  pane, 
and  her  dazed  eyes 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  35 

Gazing  at  the  two  who  led  the  dance, 

Felt  the  blood  close  round  her  heart,   and 
swooned. 

Then,  as  if  by  God-given  strength  restored, 
she  reached  the  castle  door; 

There  pages  bore  her  in  and  to  her  room. 

At   the    stroke    of   twelve,    the    dance    o'er, 
Aladine  bade  his  love  farewell. 

And  promised  that  they'd  meet  again.     And 
Marian  at  last, 

Having  found  her  love,  and  thinking  it  must 
be  by  the  whole  world  shared. 

Sought  Enid  in  her  room.    And  with  caresses 
fond, 

Marian  in  joyful  tone,  spoke  of  her  love. 

"Nay,   weep   not,   thou   too   shall   taste   the 
sweets  of  love. 


36  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

For   much   he   spoke   of   his   brother   John. 
Perchance " 

Enid  answered  not;  but  Into  the  pillow  hid 
her  face, 

That  Marian  might  not  fathom  her  distress. 

And  in  the  days  that  followed,  Aladine  was 
'twixt  heaven  and  hell. 

Between   duty   and   love,    from    one    to   the 
other  thrown. 

Now   John,    not   knowing   of    his   brother's 
adventures, 

Thought  strange  of  his  many  journeys  and 
spoke  his  fears  to  Dan. 

Two  heads,  though  one  a  jester's  was,  proved 
far  more  wise  than  one. 

It  was  decreed  that  John,  who  in  form  Alad- 
ine resembled. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  37 

Should  thus  clothe  himself  and  follow  him. 
Meanwhile  Enid,  with  jealous  rage, 

Contrived  to  seek  Marian's. doom  by  mean 
deceit; 

One  day,  before  her  she  appeared  in  feigned 
grief; 

Marian,  with  quick  sympathy,  inquired  the 
cause.     "Ah  me! 

To  be  for  one  short  hour  a  princess  fair  and 
dressed  in  royal  robe 

Would  an  ambition  crown,"  sighed  Enid. 

Said  Marian,  with  trustful  mien,  "It  can  be 
done!" 

So,   as  by  magic  wand,  Enid  in  royal  robe 
was  gowned; 

"Mind  Enid,  for  one  hour  and  no  more, 

Mayest  thou  enjoy  the  present  role  !"  Marian 
gave  command; 


38  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

And  Enid  with  a  Judas  kiss  for  Marian's 
favor  kind, 

Hastened   from   the    Castle   Everywhere,    a 
tryst  to  keep  with  Aladine. 

'Tis    strange    how    providence    impedes    the 
wiles  of  men; 

While  Aladine  was  on  his  way,  Enid  to  meet 

His  steed  upreared,  and  on  its  hauches  stood. 

Meanwhile,    John,    in   Aladine's    attire   was 
seeking  him; 

Unacquainted  with  the  road,  he  turned  here 
and  there,  in  vain. 

Then  wended  his  way  unto  the  Castle  gate. 

And  it  so  happened  that  the  gate  oped  wide 
to  receive  him, 

Who    in    all    appearance    was    his    brother 
Aladine. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  39 

Now  Enid,  in  the  garden  waiting  her  tryst 
to  keep, 

Heard  a  horse's  tread  upon  the  gravel  path, 
and  thinking 

'Twas  Aladine,  she  ran  into  the  road; 

She  seized  the  bridle  of  John's  steed,  and 

With  impatient  mien  inquired  the  cause  of 
his  delay. 

John   abashed   at   this    strain;    awaited   her 
further  speech. 

"Thou'rt  late,  my  Aladine!     See,  I  dressed 
in  royal  robe  for  thee — 

That  thou  might'st  love  me  more. 

Ah!   Why  hast  thou  grown  cold?. 

Have  I  offended  thee,  dear  love?"  she  asked. 

John,  knowing  no  reply,  unable  to  resist  her, 

Took  Enid  to  his  heart. 


40  The  Biood-Stained  Rose 

Now  Aladlne,  once  more  upon  his  way, 

Urging   his    steed   with   well-set   spur,    and, 
anxiously  bespent, 

Entered  the  Castle  gate. 

Meanwhile,  the  hour  long  passed,   Marian 
sought  her  friend. 

With  clasped  hands   and  breathing  quickly 
drawn. 

She    made    her    way    as   though    to    certain 
misery. 

Now  step  by  step  unfolds  the  well  wrought 
plot. 

Enid  thinking  the  visitor  Aladine,  and  know- 
ing that  his  heart. 

By  right  divine,  belonged  to  Marian, 

Branded  Marian  a  snake — saying  her  beauty 
and  soft  words 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  41 

Were  but  a  lure  to*  lead  him  to  his  doom. 
Then  false  tears  followed. 

"Hast  ever  heard  the  story   of  the   Blood 
Stained  Rose? 

If   not,    I'll   tell   it;   perhaps   'twill   comfort 
thee." 

At   these,    John's   words,    she   thought   him 
stricken  mad. 

For  speaking  of  the  Rose  as  if  'twas  some- 
thing new. 

Then  as  though  smitten  by  an  unseen  hand, 

She  gazed  at  him,  wild  eyed,  inquiring  who 
he  was 

And  what  his  purpose.     A  moment  more, 

The  masqueraders  having  come  in  contact 
with  the  truth, 

Were  seized  with  sudden  fear. 


42  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

'Twas  then,  heavy  clouds  hung  in  the  sky — 
a  warning  to  all  treachery. 

Aladine  from  afar,  fancied  he  saw 

Marian   in   another's   arms;  that  one  much 
like  himself; 

And  so  with  spurs  set  deep  into  his  steed,  he 
vowed  revenge ! 

Heavier  grew  the  clouds,   as  if  the  world 
drew  near  its  end. 

Enid  her  head  turned  quickly  and  tried  to  fly 

From  what  was  coming;  'twas  not  long  be- 
fore the  brothers  met. 

And    John,    white    and    trembling,    begged 
mercy,  saying, 

"I  followed  thee,  my  brother,  it  is  true — 

Thou  seemed  so  unlike  thyself,   and  loving 
thee. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  43 

I  could  not  bear  to  see  thee  thus." 

But  Aladine,  half  blind  with  rage,  unsheathed 
his  sword. 

Commanding  John  to   draw.      ''Impostor!" 
cried  he, 

Laughing  at  his  excuse  for  treason;  thinking, 
of  course,  Enid  was  Marian. 

"Fight,  thou  dog,"   cried  Aladine.      "Thou 
callest  thyself  brother? 

Nay,    thou    liest!      Thou    hast    stolen    my 
brother's  name 

And  his  story.     And  I  believed  thee !     Oh 
God!     I  believed  thee!" 

John,   his  heart  most  rent  at  Aladine's  re- 
proach. 

Baring  his  breast,  cried,  "Strike  then  if  thou 
wilt, 


44  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Unsheathed  my  sword  remains;  'gainst  thee 
I  cannot  raise  it." 

"Coward!"  shrieked  Aladine,  as  with  a  blow 
he  felled  his  brother. 

Then  Enid  with  remorse  near  mad,  her  face 
averted, 

And   Marian  with  saddened  heart,   coming 
upon  the  scene. 

Stood  as   if   angel   struck.     Aladine  to   the 
truth  awakening, 

Knelt  on  the  ground,  and  tried  to  stem  the 
precious  blood 

That  flowed  from  his  brother's  side.  Marian, 
too,  prayed  him  to  speak. 

Meanwhile,  Dan  was  led  by  fate  to  follow 
John 

For  providence  directs  the  destiny  of  man, 
leading  him  on, 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  45 

Light  as  a  sunbeam,  darting  here  and  there, 

And  ever  along  the  right  road. 

O'er  the  four  a  cloak  of  agony  fell. 

Enid,  with  contrite  heart,  sought  Marian's 
forgiveness.  , 

Marian,   bewildered,   replied,    "I've   trusted 
thee  through  years,  my  friend; 

Ah,  speak  not,  that  I  may  trust  thee  still !" 

'*Nay,  but  I  am  guilty!     Only  I  am  guilty!" 
Enid  cried. 

Marian    would    brook    no    further    speech. 
"Not  now; 

Not  while  a  brother  bleeds,"  she  gently  said. 

As,  tearing  from  off  her  gown  a  strip  of  silk, 

She  bound  the  wound.     John,  gazing  upon 
her,  murmured, 

"Angel,  my  mother  was  like  thee." 


46  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

But  pity  'twas  to  see  the  grief  of  Aladine. 

He  from  his  bosom  took  the  Blood-Stained 
Rose 

And  placed  it  in  his  brother's  hand.     "Live, 
live,"  he  said. 

*'And  all  I  own  is  thine,  my  brother!     Oh, 
my  brother!" 

Now  Dan  by  presage  led,  'mongst  them  ap- 
peared— and  stood 
Like  a  heaven-guided  moonbeam 
Lingering  on  a  pit,  as  if  to  save  the  passer-by 
To  his  quick  eye  their  plight  revealed, 

And  knowing  that  John's  disguise  was  all  its 
cause. 

He  decided  on  his  course,  and  feigned  sur- 
prise; 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  47 

Inquiring  why,  as  he  was  full  cause  of  the 
drama, 

He  was  kept  from  its  rehearsing. 

"By  my  advice,  John  sought  thee,  Aladine ! 

Ah,  thou  knowest  not  that  I  have  wandered 
o'er  this  garden  fair 

And,  all  unseen,  have  formed  this  plot. 

'Twas  a  pitiful  mistake  I  made,  urging  my 
players  to  appear  in  masquerade. 

Knowing  full   well   false   garbs   make   play- 
things out  of  hearts." 

The  truth  half  told  by  Dan,  like  a  lightning 
flash. 

Was  its  cause  revealed  to  all,  save  Marian. 

Aladine  with  gratitude  that  knew  not  bounds. 

Bowed  o'er  the  hand  of  his  friend,  and  drew 
it  to  his  lips. 


48  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

Dan  all  but  swooned  at  the  caress, 

And  John,  as  with  new  life  instilled,  vowed 
that  he'd  live, 

And,  a-tremble  with  happiness,  Enid  thanked 
Dan  and  God. 

Then  a  moment  passed;  and,  in  that  lapse 
of  time,  Marian, 

Her  heart  tipped  by  the  arrow,  doubt,  and 
with  throbbing  pulse. 

Like  the  martyr  who  in  the  arena  has  not  yet 
felt  his  soul 

God-kissed,  but  in  fear  notes  only  the  lion's 
jaw, 

Gazed  at  them  with  a  burning  question  in  her 
eyes. 

Though  an  aeon  of  time  it  seemed  to  her 
who  waited  to  be  judged. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  49 

'Twas  but  a  moment;  for  Marian,  her  soul 
Heaven-swayed, 

Took  Enid  to  her  heart  and  called  her  sister. 

And  then,  and  then,  like  elements  together 
drawn, 

Marian  found  herself  in  her  lover's  arms; 

While  Enid  bent  o'er  John  with  tender  care. 

Now,  conscious  only  of  the  sacrifice,  Aladine, 

Placed  in  the  jester's  trembling  hand  The 
Blood-Stained  Rose. 

*'  'Tis  thine,  thou  blessed  peacemaker,  thou 
friend  of  friends!" 

By  a  formula  divine,  in  that  hand  a  miracle 
was  wrought! 

For  a  Power  had  caused  the  Rose  once  more 
to  bloom. 


50  The  Blood-Stained  Rose 

The  mist  cleared  and  the  sun  shone  down  on 
Aladine 

As  with  unsheathed  sword  he  bade  the  jester 
kneel, 

And  entitled  him  a  lord. 

Now,   though  the  story  is  at  its  close,  we 
must  not  miss 

The  pageant  that  took  place  at  Castle  Every- 
where. 

Ne'er  was  scene  more  beautiful ;  with  courtier 
train 

The  wedding  party  in  flower-decked  floats, 

And  chariots  of  gold,  by  proud  horses  drawn. 

Rode  from  the  Castle  Everywhere  through 
sylvan  paths 

O'er  hallowed  ground  to  the  spot  made  dear- 
est by  the  Rose. 


The  Blood-Stained  Rose  51 

There  they  stopped;  and  kneeling  under  an 
ether  canopy  of  blue 

They  bound  themselves  in  wedlock,  soul  to 
soul. 

Dan,  pressing  to  his  heart  his  full-blown  rose 

Low  whispered:  "Thou  wert  Blood  Stained, 

Not   destined  to   long  life,   until   by   virtue 
kissed. 

Ah,  beauteous  one.  Heaven  christens  thee, 
Immortality!" 


V 


Mi91S36 

^s-q 

A  2^7 

h 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFORNIA  LIBRARY 

^ 


